Looking forward to gleaning much needed information and techniques from anyone who can help.. First problem.......... Can i leave my rose bush and rhoddie at original ground level, Ive installed a raised bed around them, they've been there years, but im worried if i backfill with soil they'll rot, forgot to mention, raised bed is constructed with sleepers, 5 layers , so approx 500mm depth .. thanks in anticipation
@Slipster I would say no and you need to lift them and replant them once you have filled the raised bed. Also bear in mind that the rhododendron needs acid soil to thrive, so depending on what you are filling the bed with it might need a completely new home. Another thing is that rhododendrons are shallow rooted and don't like being dry in the summer, they fail to produce flower buds if dry, your raised bed well drain faster than where it is now.
Hey , Nigel, thanks for your speedy response.... I had read that the rhododendron does indeed need acidic soil, which it has been flowering very well in its current location. Im just concerned that maybe uprooting may damage it , as with the rose bush. I had thought of making a shutter round them which would keep them free of the added soil. Not sure how viable this is though ?
